Partiya Azadî û Demokrasiyê ya Êzidiyan (Freedom and Democracy Party of Yazidis - PADÊ) held its 3rd Congress in Digur, Shengal. 150 delegates attended the congress, which was carried out under the slogan ‘We will strengthen our organization with the spirit of ending the Ferman [edicts]’.

Turkish state bombing must end

The statement issued by PADÊ after the congress said: "The refugees who want to return to Shengal should be provided with facilities to do so and their needs should be met. The bombing carried out by the invading Turkish state must end. Refugees cannot return to their lands due to the attacks. Shengal should be considered as a decentralized province. Article 140 should be implemented and Yazidi rights must be protected.

All massacres against the Yazidi people, especially the massacre of 3 August 2014, should be recognized as genocide and compensation should be paid to the Yazidi people.”

The Baghdad-Hewler agreement should be withdrawn

The statement added that “the agreement on Shengal made by the central Iraqi government and the Kurdish Regional Government should be withdrawn. The Yazidis were never included in the agreement and the Yazidis were not asked an opinion. Making those who protect Shengal a target is unacceptable. It is unacceptable that the regional order falls into the hands of the police of the parties.”

The statement continued: “Those who favoured ISIS and its attacks on Shengal should be tried in special courts. More work should be done for the freedom of the Yazidis captured by ISIS and their special health needs should be met. The rights of the families of the martyrs and those under ISIS captivity should be protected. A committee consisting of Shengal people should be established in order to rebuild the region.”